Four-Island and Hong Island Tours in Krabi and Railay Beach
Part of the Krabi and Railay Beach travel guide — see every topic in All Krabi and Railay Beach Guides.
The most popular days out from Ao Nang are boat tours to the islands offshore. The two classic choices are the four-island tour and the Hong Island tour. Both visit limestone islands with white sand and clear water, and both stop for snorkelling. The islands are inside national parks, so a park fee is charged. Tours go by longtail boat or speedboat. This guide compares the two and explains what to expect.
The four-island tour
This is the shortest and most popular tour from Ao Nang. It usually stops at Phra Nang Cave Beach on Railay, Koh Poda, Chicken Island and Koh Tup. Koh Poda has a long white beach and a rock tower just offshore. Chicken Island is named after a rock that looks like a chicken's head, and the boat often stops nearby for snorkelling. At Koh Tup, a sandbar appears at low tide and joins small islands together, so you can walk across the sea. The islands are part of Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
The Hong Island tour
Koh Hong lies north of Ao Nang, inside Than Bok Khorani National Park. Its most famous sight is a lagoon hidden inside the island, surrounded by tall cliffs. Boats can enter only when the tide is high enough. The island also has a beach of fine sand and a short viewpoint path. Most tours also stop at nearby islands such as Koh Lao Lading for swimming. The trip is longer than the four-island tour and the boats go further, so speedboats are more common. Hong Island tours are often quieter than Phi Phi trips.
Longtail or speedboat
Longtail boats are cheaper, slower and noisier, and you will get some spray. They feel more local and are fine for the four-island tour. Speedboats are faster, so you spend more time on the islands and less time at sea. They are better for Hong Island and longer trips. Many tours leave in the morning and return in the afternoon. Private longtails can be hired at the beach, so you can leave early and beat the group boats. Ask whether the park fee, lunch and snorkel gear are included.
Fees and seasons
Both tours visit national parks, and each park charges a fee per person. Tour prices sometimes include it and sometimes do not. Keep your ticket, because rangers may check it. The best months are about November to April, when the sea is calm and clear. In the wet season, from about May to October, tours still run on many days, but some are cancelled and the water is less clear. The park can close islands in bad weather. Some sun creams that harm coral are banned in national parks, so use a reef-safe brand.
Four-Island and Hong Island Tours at a glance
| Getting there | Longtail or speedboat from Ao Nang or Nopparat Thara pier |
|---|---|
| Hours | Half-day or full-day tours, usually morning to mid-afternoon |
| Cost | National park fee per person, sometimes not in the tour price |
| Best time | About November to April for calm sea and clear water |
| Bring | Reef-safe sun cream, water shoes, a dry bag and cash for the park fee |